hey mom, why did God create head lice?

Thank you Lord that you have spared (so far) my children (and me for that matter) from this horrible little thing called head lice. Yes, as with any school across america, we have had several cases of headlice at our elementary. I scratch my head as I type! Anyway, Madison and I were grocery shopping tonight while the guys were at basketball practice. We were just talking when she brought up a conversation she overheard me have with her teacher. It was about a couple of kids in her class who were sent home because of lice. I didn't want to disclose any names, but I just told her that a couple kids had lice and it gave me a chance to let her know to keep her winter hat, etc. in her bag when not in use. Anyway, she starts to ask me why God created head lice and was it because Adam and Eve sinned! I was cracking up inside. She on the other hand was dead serious. Madi thought when we got home that we should look up headlice in the bible to see when and why God created them. "What good are those nasty things, anyway", she says! Wow, I was speechless! Kids say the greatest things sometimes!

Snow Day???

Yep, today is a snow day here in Huron County. Well, I guess we are only delayed by two hours for now, but may turn into a full day off! I woke up early looked outside to see a beautiful coating of snow on the ground, had my coffee/b-study with hubby, woke kids up, got ready, and out the door. I pulled into school noticing only a few cars. Then it dawned on me...could school really be cancelled? Yep...one inch of snow in Bad Axe = no school! Unbelievable! I guess if you don't turn the TV or local radio station on in the morning, you won't find out! Well, it gives me a minute to sit and relax and have another cup of coffee and some fun with the kids.

Today is my last day teaching Title 1. I have a sub job lined up for tomorrow and Friday, so I'm not really taking a break. I really love being at the school with my kids. I love being with the other kids and teaching them new things. Yesterday I had an opportunity to spend some time with a little girl who has such a hard home life. I love the chance just to show these kids that someone really loves them. It is hard, though. I just want to take some of them home, give them a shower, dress them in clean clothes, feed them healthy meals, and teach them about Jesus. It is so sad watching them go home to a bad situation. I am just so thankful though that I have an opportunity to be a missionary in this school and also teach my kids about people who come from all walks of life. Just the other day Madison had to bring a little girl who we had been praying for down to my room to show me how she got a A on her first spelling test. I guess Madison told her teacher that her mom would want to know this exciting news and congratulate this little girl, too. That made me feel so good! Life isn't always easy, but it sure is rewarding!

Well, off to play a game with my kids!

Mia's Here!

Just a cute pic of Madison and Mia...Madi is loving life with this new addition. Mia seems to be making a great transition, but we'll have to see how the night goes!

We are going to have a new member in our family!!!

Yeah, yeah, those of you who think I am pg, are way off. That would be totally the Lord's doing since we took all measures medically...but we are getting a new little five month old, 5 pound, furry and soooo cute little girl named Mia! We or should I say, I have been wanting to get a dog. I grew up with animals and just really like having them around for the kids. Jason was not exactly thrilled with the idea as he hates hair, etc. that dogs bring. Anyway, I got a call from my good friend Nicole about this little doggy who needed a home. They had given her to her mother-in-law, but she is just unable to take care of her. They wanted to find a good home for her. I ran the idea by Jason thinking I would get shot down, but to my surprise, he actually liked the idea...what?! So, on Saturday, Mia is coming up from Rochester, to Bad Axe to join our family! The kids are SO excited and are counting the days! I have to admit that I am really excited...but also a little nervous. This will be another added responsibility, but I'm sure we will get a lot of love from her.

Oh My...

I never thought that my first time being asked to stay after school to talk about one of my children would be for...being too affectionate!!! Yes, my adorable little boy loves the girls and has been seen kissing them on the arms (thankfully not on the face, though!) Although it seems that these little girls don't seem to mind, the teacher thought we better intervene just to make sure it doesn't get out of hand. Those of you who know my little Brady, know that he is such a little lovable guy. He is always kissing and hugging me, along with any other lady who will let him. I guess I never thought much of it, I acutally kind of like it as his mom!

Well, our talk about appropriate behavior at school happened with him in KINDERGARTEN!!! I couldn't help but laugh with the teacher, but inside I was thinking...great, my kid the kisser! Anyway, after Brady sat for our long discussion (me and J) I thought he would really understand. After Jason got off the couch, he leaned over to me and said..."hey mom, soooo can i have a girlfriend in first grade?" I thought I would die right there! I did my best to keep my composure, but had to excuse myself to the bathroom for a breather! I think we may have our hands full with this little buddy of ours!!!

Thank You Lord for My Children

I woke up this morning annoyed. Yep, I didn't want to do the same schedule like yesterday or the day before. I was up several times in the night calming Madison down from a bad dream about snakes. Actually, about the third time of being tapped on my shoulder, I was annoyed. I finally told her to go and lay by her brother, he would protect her. What?!!! I was pawning my kid and her fears off on her little brother! You know sometimes I just want to slap my own face. Why must I get annoyed by a sad, scared little girl? Anyway, I think the Lord placed my bible study for today to shape me up. Jason and I are reading a book together called "Hopeful Parenting" by David Jeremiah. Today was about teaching our children that they are special. I sure hadn't taught Madi that she was special last night...I just taught her that she and her fears were annoying me! Man, sometimes we fail, don't we! I am so thankful that we serve a Lord who disciplines us when we need it. I am also so thankful that I can repent and move on...til the next time I need disciplining!!!
Thank You LORD for my children.

Farming with Grandpa!

My Brady just loves farming! I think this whole farming thing skips generations because Jason really had no interest in farming, but Brady lives for it. Grandpa Doug is just starting to harvest beans for the year and Brady is right in the mix of it all. He begs us everyday to call Grandpa to see if he needs some "help" on the farm. Thankfully Grandpa loves having him ride with him, so Brady gets lots of tractor time. I thought this was a cute picture of Brady, cousin Hunter and Grandpa.

my girl the cheerleader...what????

This is very strange to be writing about my little girl the cheerleader. Although I am somewhat "girlie", I was NEVER into cheerleading. I was always a sports girl in school. Madison begged us to let her do a cheerleading camp last week after school. This was a conversation that Jason and I never thought we would be having, but we decided to let her give it a try. Last night she had the chance to cheer at the Bad Axe Homecoming game. Our girl was just beaming from ear to ear! We were so proud of her and loved watching her. I even looked over at Jason as one point and he was so proud just watching his little girl have fun. I know he would NEVER think he would be watching this, but he did so good. It is amazing how proud you are as a parent to watch your child really enjoy something. I don't know how far this cheerleading things will go...but it was so cool for last night!!!

I am exhausted...but in a good way!

We are now in the third week of school and I am exhausted, but in a good way. I planned on helping in the school, but I really didn't think I would be a full-time volunteer. Forget about my quiet coffee time, peaceful laundry days or relaxed shopping days, I spend all day at the school! I love seeing my kids all day and I think they like to have me around, too! I know I am in the right place and I have already met so many kids and parents. Some great and well behaved and others, well...I find myself praying for them and my attitude toward them. It has been such a change for us moving back here. The school we were at in Grand Rapids, was a lot different. They had so much parent involvement that we actually had to have a schedule as to whom was helping each day!!! Things are very different here. I volunteered to help and now I don't think I am getting out!!! I have met some very nice Grandma's raising their grand kids, some very young moms, and some very active moms like me. It is such a variety here. I also have met some very loving kids who just love to get a hug every time I see them. I have a feeling that school is the only place they get hugged. Today I got a little sad missing how easy the other school was. I even asked the Lord, out loud "why here and why me?" My kids are doing good and really don't look around and notice anything different about any of the kids. They can't see who has a mom and dad at home, or a grandma raising them, and definitely how much money their family has. They just enjoy playing on the playground with them, learning in class with them, and laughing at lunch. I pray for a good night sleep so I can go in the school and give hugs, open milk cartons, listen to reading, dry tears and just have fun with these kids. I want to look at these kids like my kids look at them. I just want to love on them and make an impact in this town for Jesus. Someday I will get my house organized...just maybe not for the next 15 years!

Flashbacks!

I was looking through some older pictures on a memory card. I came across this picture and it pretty much sums up how I have been feeling since we moved back here. It is so strange to look at this play set with my kids swinging and having a good time, only they are 3 years younger. When we moved, so did the play set. Well now it is back in the same spot, 3 years later, and I watch my kids swing and play again. I honestly feel like we were just on vacation for a few years. I looked through other pictures of my kids sitting on the porch, swimming in the pool, and playing basketball. They are just smaller! I have had such a crazy life! Not many people can say that they sold their house, moved away, and then bought the same one back! I really feel so content with our life. Jason and I sat on the couch this morning doing our bible study and just stopped and looked at each other. We were thinking the same thing...how blessed we really are. We were studying about the adulterous in Proverbs...not sure how it relates to our thoughts, but anyhow...we stopped and just enjoyed the moment of contentment and thankfulness. Even with the constant cow manure smell, no target or mall to shop at... I can say I am completely blessed! Wow, how I have grown! Thanks, Lord!

Moving into a new stage...

I worked this morning on lunches, made sure backpacks were filled correctly, took tags off new gym shoes, and layed out two fresh new outfits...it's the first day of school. I go into this day with mixed emotions. This will be the first day that both my children will be off to school full-time. I am excited for them to meet new friends, establish a routine, and hopefully learn lots of new things. I am also sad because it is the end of a stage and into another. I have been home with my babies from day one. Although I can't say that it was always easy for me, it was such a blessing. It will be so strange to be home alone. I know I will be at the school daily, volunteering, substitute teaching, etc., but this will sure be different. People keep asking me what am I going to do with my time? I do not consider this "done" with my kids...just a change. Please pray for Madison and Brady today. Please pray for me as I watch them walk into those classrooms. Please pray for the teachers, students and staff at Greene Elementary. Please pray that the Krohn
Family can be a light in the darkness and show Christ in our every action!

This Morning...

During my bible study with my hubby this morning, the Lord spoke gently about something I thought I would share. I have studied, listened and read time and time again about how the Lord views our work, etc. Today is hit me a little different. Jason leads a Kingdom Advisors group and he wanted to share the video with me this morning during our morning time together. Ken Boa was the speaker. He made several comments on work. How do we work and do we work for ourself or for the Lord. He talked about going to visit an old catherdral with statues from 700 years ago. They just happened to be moved and cleaned that particular day. He watched the men move them back into place. He saw that the statues were carved just as perfectly on the back as they were the front. They knew when they were made that they would be tucked back into a corner and people would never see the back. It struck him that although this was the case, the artist crafted them perfectly all the way around. This made me really start thinking. How often do I work all the way around something and complete it to perfection. I feel that although the Lord does not expect perfection out of us, He wants us to complete something all the way around, even if it isn't going to be seen on the back! I don't know if this makes sense to anyone else, but it just really made me think. I want to work for Him, not just for myself and just to get it done!

Weekend of Family Fun!

We were Blessed to have my brother Kevin, sis-in-law Anna, Aidan and Samantha come for the weekend. We try to keep everyone entertained and it usually revolves around water. We have a pool at our house and the convenience of the cottage close by. I think the last few guests have left with a sunburn...including my brother!! We had so much fun swimming, boating and jet-skiing. It was great just to be with his family and let the cousins spend time together. Brady and Aidan just love to play and Madison can't get enough of her little cousin, Sammy. I have to sometimes tell her to give Sammy some room as she always wants to hold her!!! Sammy is Madison's only girl cousin, so she just loves to spend time with her.
Here are a few pictures of our time together at home and at the lake.

End of the summer Vacation!!!

I know if you ever check my blog, I am not good at posting. Well, I am hoping to turn over a new leaf and get going. I thought I would add our recent family vacation up north. This will be our last trip before school starts, so we made sure to have fun!!! We headed up north to the cabin for some peace and quiet. We went on a FOUR hours kayak ride...Madison starting singing "Hallelujah" when we reached our destination. We were laughing hysterically, but she sang my heart! It was fun, but I personally can only float down a river for so long! Brady was brave and jumped in a few times into the 50 degree water...he is such a boy!

Next we went golfing. Our kids just love the game, so it is always fun to take them out on the course. It was a beautiful setting with large trees and lots of birds. Other than not playing good, we all had a great time. Then my husband decided to try a short cut back to the cabin. I have included some pics of the route he took. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but as the road became more of a two track, my stomach started to turn. I believe that the Lord has given me a peace about living in the country...but that was far beyond what I ever would consider okay!! Thankfully, he decided to turn around and take the long paved road home. I wanted to start singing "Hallelujah", but I thought I better keep this to myself!!!

I didn't take any pictures of my shopping day in Traverse City, but if you want to see my bank account, that will tell a story all in itself. No, I got some good deals and I think the kids are set to start school in a few weeks.

We took the kids putt-putt golfing in 90 degree weather...not recommended, but still fun. Then we went boating and tubing. It is so fun to see my kids have such a good time. I pray that they will always know how fortunate they are to be able to experience so many things in life!

I will take more pics and post more often, I promise. I love to read about everyone else, so keep posting you guys!

A lesson taught loud and clear...

Today I was taught a HUGE lesson from the Lord. I have always prayed for my hubby and tried to be encouraging, but today it really hit me. I feel like the Lord showed me how important it is to cover J in prayer throughout the day. I feel so blessed to have a man who genuinely seeks the Lord and wants to do His will. Only the Lord's will would move my family back to our "old" home!!! I have just realized what kind of job my hubby really holds. He is a successful business man, but more importantly, he is a warrior for the Lord, for me, and our kids! He gets beat down daily and he needs to come home to a shower of prayer and love at home. I have felt such a conviction today to change my ways. I thank the Lord for the job I have at home and, wow... I would never want to have the responsiblity that my husband holds on his shoulders. Thank you Lord for showing us what we need to do!

Life on the move...

I had posted a blog a few weeks ago and all of a sudden it was gone?! Anyway, thought I would try it again! I hope to get back into posting as life is so precious and as much as I love reading about my friends families, maybe they want to read about mine!
We just closed on our here in Grand Rapids and are officially "homeless"!!! We are living with my mom and dad...awesome, but interesting...until school gets out. We have changed our plans once again and have decided to buy back our "old" home in Bad Axe. We thought about buying Jason's parents home, but it just didn't fall into place. I feel very blessed to be going back the home my hubby worked so hard to get us five years ago. It is beautiful and it will make our life so simple being right in Bad Axe. We should close on that home at the end of May and move in the beginning of June. All our stuff is in storage in BA, so just living with the bare minimums. For those of you who know me, you are probably wondering how I really feel about this move back to the thumb, being a "city" girl and all. Well, I am actually VERY excited as I feel that it is 100% God's plan for my family and our future. I am pressing ahead, not looking back! It just feels so good to be in God's plan and not ours.
I hope to keep you all posted as the months roll on. Love you all!